Major Fellowship Granting Agencies:

Funds undergraduate study, including intensive language training, in countries considered critical to national security. This does not include countries of Western Europe; however, proven language ability is recognized as a measure of a candidate’s ability to learn a new language associated with a country of critical importance.

Note: Special Boren Scholarships are available for students in the STEM disciplines; these provide funding for summer study in another country.

Fulbright scholarships are available in 150 countries, over 40 of which also provice the option for working as an English language teaching assistant. The country determines the number and nature of the awards as welll as the criteria for candiates. Special awards are are available for students interested in popular culture and for study of languages characterized as "critical" to American interests.

Sophomores and juniors majoring in math, science, or engineering may apply for this scholarship, which funds up to 2 years of undergraduate study. Candidates must intend to pursue a research-oriented graduate degree and should have research experience as an undergraduate.

This scholarship funds two years of academic studies related to NOAA science, research, technology, policy, management, and education activities. (Students must confirm that they will have two years of undergraduate studies to complete in order to qualify.) It also offers a multi-disciplinary paid summer internship providing students the opportunity to work with NOAA scientists.

One of the most prestigious scholarships, the Marshall is awarded to top American students for 2-3 years of graduate study in the United Kingdom (England, Scotland, Wale, and Northern Ireland). The competition is open to students in all fields of study.

One of the most prestigious scholarships, the Mitchell is awarded to top American students for one year of graduate study in Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland). The competition is open to students in all fields of study. Applicants must show reason to conduct their graduate work in Ireland.

Based on financial need, this fellowship supports graduate work by women and minorities historically underrepresented in the foreign service. Appropriate fields include public policy, international affairs, public administration, business, economics, political science, sociology, or foreign languages. Candidate’s must enroll in a two-year master’s program and, following graduation, work for a minimum of three years as a foreign service officer.

The best known of the prestigious scholarships, the Rhodes Scholarship is awarded to top American students for 2-3 years of graduate study at Oxford University. The competition is open to students in all fields of study.